Dr. Z Monza Head - Blackout

The Dr. Z Monza just got better! Dr Z decided to begin shipping this popular amp with a post phase inverter master volume and 16 ohm speaker out. Even at only 20 watts (20 Dr. Z watts, that is!), customers were complaining about the massive volume this little beast had. Well, that's now a problem of the past! Now, you'll be able to get all that gain on tap without blowing out the windows. But if volume is still what you're after, this volume control is designed to be completely out of the circuit when turned all the way up.

Three things we noticed about the Dr Z Monza right off the bat:

1) It's LOUD! Whatever you do, do not mistake 20 watts for weak. As we mentioned above, this is 20 watts of Dr. Z power we're talking about. Read in the forums if you must. You'll see people who absolutely love the tone, but complain about the loudness. Of course, this is now a non-issue with the new Master Volume. Want to run this with a Z-Best cab? No problem. It'll handle it. Just bring the earplugs.

2) One of the things that sets the Monza apart from other amps out there in it's class is its ability to be so responsive to the guitar player's input, all while delivering tons of gain and sustain. Many amps with this level of gain become overly compressed and loses some of their ability to produce a nice variety of dynamics. Not the Monza. Even at higher gain settings you get back what you put in.

3) The number one complaint about amps with higher levels of gain is how chords get lost in the overdrive. Well, not with the Monza! Hit a nice, strong E minor chord and you hear every string. Want to hit a 6-string F with the gain cranked? Do it! ... Actually, on that last one I advise you be well in tune, but that goes without saying.

The Monza doesn't use a typical GAIN/MASTER circuit. On the front end, the VOLUME controls the clean to dirty range while the DRIVE adds more sustain and depth as you turn it up. Notes keep getting bigger and fatter. With Drive and Volume at 12:00 you get a brilliant gain sound that is effortless to play. Like all Dr. Z Amps, the Monza is very touch sensitive to pick dynamics, which always make an amp more fun to play. Backing off the volume on your guitar yields a nice clean sound. Turning the amps VOLUME and DRIVE up to higher settings will bring on a nice smooth fuzz type overdrive that will collapse and bloom with no need for pedals. Put simply, you'll have a very broad range of gain sounds at your fingertips with just a guitar, amp, and cable. With the master volume control you can have your sound in the bedroom, the studio, and the stage.